Brewing instructions

Description

Yerba Mate is not just a drink - it’s an experience. It has been a treasured addition to social events and family gatherings across South America, for hundreds of years!

Once known as “The Drink of the Gods”, according to many indigenous tribes, and “The Green God of the Indios” by European colonists, Yerba Mate resembles the combined flavours of lightly smoked wood, tobacco, and fine green tea. Other connoisseurs have noted its slightly astringent, and even bitter taste, which can often delicately linger at the back of the throat.

Whether you already know and love this invigorating brew, or you are just looking to be adventurous and try something new,we have provided a bundle package of everything you need to embrace this wonderful South American tradition. Aside from the Yerba Mate itself, this package includes a traditional drinking Gourd, made from a hollow, dried out squash. It also comes with a Bombilla, which is similar in appearance to a straw, but also filters the leaves from the Yerba Mate when sipped.

These items are an integral part of Yerba Mate Culture, and are frequently used in an almost ritualistic event known as ‘pasando el mate’ (translated to mean: ‘passing the mate hand in hand’). This involves friends and family alike, gathered together and sharing in the experience. In countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, these events are said to establish affection, trust and togetherness.

Long before Europeans began to colonise South America, the consumption of Yerba Mate was embedded into the cultures of the Guarani tribes (located in Northern Argentina) and the Tupi people (located in Southern Brazil). For decades, the traditions of Yerba Mate were passed down through the generations. However, change was coming with the tides, as the Spanish conquistadors spied the South American continent in the last years of the 15th Century. The Spaniards, particularly the Jesuits - a Catholic congregation originating from Spain - were baffled by how healthy the ‘natives’ were upon landing on the continent.

These tribes told their soon-to-be conquerors that the secret of their fitness, energy, and strength was due to the frequent consumption of Yerba Mate on a daily basis. They believed their God had granted their ancestors the Yerba Mate tree as a special gift, as a reward for their righteousness. Believing their ‘false’ God was ‘the Devil in disguise’, the Jesuits would eventually ban the consumption of Yerba Mate.

This, however, did little to deter the tribes, who continued to drink this deliciously earthy and full-bodied beverage. Meanwhile, the Jesuits soon realised that their imposed prohibition had impacted the number of Catholic converts they were receiving. They would eventually lift the ban, but at a cost.

The Spaniards began to exploit the tribes, obtaining great fortune from controlling Yerba Mate production and sale. Many natives were put into slavery, forced to work on Yerba Mate plantations to the benefit of their conquerors. During this time, the Spaniards began to see Yerba Mate as “green gold”. Roads were built for its transport, while exportation began to nearby countries, and even overseas.

The Jesuits in Paraguay, in particular, began to encourage the consumption of this beverage, informing the indigenous populations under their control that this plant had been provided to them by the God of Christians. In 1767, the Spanish King, Charles III, expelled the Jesuits from Spain and her colonies. Subsequently, the plantations were abandoned, and the indigenous populations found themselves in a state of relative freedom.

Despite its turbulent history, Yerba Mate is still adored across the entire South American continent. In the Uruguayan city of Montevideo, for example, an estimated 75-80% of men and 79-82% of women drink Yerba Mate, daily! These figures have been known to further increase in the outer reaches of the country. In fact, such is its immense popularity, the Uruguayan Government has since passed laws to make it illegal to drink from a bombilla while driving! It is no surprise, then, that in Uruguay, as well as Argentina and Paraguay, Yerba Mate is the national drink of each respective country.

In recent years, the consumption of Yerba Mate in Europe and the United States has increased at a rapid rate. This is largely attributed to countless scientific studies discovering the incredible health benefits of Yerba Mate tea With this bundle of both Yerba Mate and all the necessary drinking utensils, the power is now in your hands! When consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, this beverage has the ability to combat a number of common ailments - as well as tasting absolutely delicious!

Type of Tea: Herbal Tea

Origin: Brazil

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water left to cool at temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees. Following this, infuse for 3 - 6 minutes, depending on personal taste.

How to Serve: For those wishing to stray from tradition, sugar can make a delicious accompaniment to this beverage. However, here at the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we believe it is best served as it is.

Tasting Notes: When using a Gourd and Bombilla, you are enjoying Yerba Mate the way it should be! With its strong, earthy aroma, coupled with its classically smoky, woody flavours, this beverage will whisk you away to the vast, beautiful landscapes of the Amazon rainforest - from the comfort of your own home!

Colour in Cup: Vibrant golden green liquor, light in tone.

Gould Maintenance: Opting for the traditional Yerba Mate experience requires love and attention, especially when looking after your Gould. Before you can use your Gould you must first cure it. This will ultimately prevent the Gould from splitting as the Gould itself can actually add to the flavour of the brew. Furthermore, it is perfectly natural to find almost ‘paper’ like debris inside, as well as seeds. In order to remove this debris and prevent the Gould from splitting, please follow these simple steps:

Take your Gould and fill it halfway with pure mate.

Fill the remaining half with boiling water.

Allow the mate to soak in your Gould for at least 24 hours.

Pour the mate and water out.

Using a spoon, thoroughly scrape the inside of the Gould walls, making sure all its contents are removed.

If required, repeat this process.

Rinse your Gould one last time with hot water.

Brew up and enjoy.

Benefits of Yerba Mate: For hundreds of years, South America’s indigenous populations have consumed this beverage to aid their digestive tract. It now appears they were onto something, as scientific studies have since been able to support these age-old claims.

Some of the unique compounds found in Yerba Mate, such as xanthines, are able to promote smooth muscle relaxation. This brew is the perfect choice for anyone struggling with bloating, constipation, cramping, and other digestive system-related issues. Further to this, Yerba Mate is known to contain an astounding number of vitamins and minerals!

These include: Vitamins A, B1, and B2, riboflavin, carotene, colin, pantothenic acid, inositol, and a total of 15 (yes, fifteen) types of amino acids. Further to this, Yerba Mate also contains significant amounts of potassium, sodium, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants called polyphenols.